This week, writer, poet, photographer, and editor Amelia Friedline asks, “Are quiet little thumbnail sketches of my particular corner of the universe worth anything when the world is rent by war, injustice, and all other kinds of evil?” Find Amelia at www.innocenceabroad.com

It is costly to love, isn’t it? But, because of what Christ has revealed about reality, we can afford it. This is what I’m looking at this week on the podcast. Also: I’ve got a new single releasing this Friday, March 25th! Visit matthewclark.net and click the pre-save on Spotify button!

It’s no small thing to keep doing the small things. Last night, our small group started reading Richard Foster’s “Celebration of Discipline” and I was reminded that willpower will disappoint us, but keeping at the little practices that keep us close and open to the Lord, cultivates healing by keeping us in contact with the Life of our life.

Recently, a friend on facebook asked “why is it so hard to apologize?” Well, that got me thinking, “Yeah! Why does it feel so scary to admit we’re wrong and as for forgiveness?” I know that feeling, and this week I’ll share some thoughts on and close with an original song off my “Beautiful Secret Life” album.

This week, I’m sharing a concept I learned in counseling that has stuck with me, and some reflection on what makes change and healing possible. How do we grow? I’ll end with a favorite G.M. Hopkins poem. In other news: the first single from my new album releases March 4th! Stay tuned!

What is a face? What does it mean for someone to face us, for us to have to face ourselves, and how does facing and being faced by Jesus change us? It is scary to turn and face Jesus, because we’re afraid God doesn’t really love us. But the one who dares to look finds out the shocking good news and comes away singing, “God has made his face to shine upon us!” Seeing Jesus see us as his beloved, changes the way we see ourselves.

This week, guest essayist Maribeth Barber will explore what Wendell Berry means when he implores us to “do something that won’t compute”— arguing that it’s less about rebelling against the culture for rebellion’s sake, and more about living and loving well. Maribeth’s debut novel “Operation Lionhearted” releases 10/13/21, find out more: maribethbarber.com

This week we’ll welcome a guest essayist from Norway, Erling Rantrud. A trained gardener, husband, father, and pastor in Sandefjord, Norway, Erling will share about God’s life-giving invitation to both His work and His rest in a place where heaven and earth meet. And he’ll sing a benediction for us in his native tongue!

Jesus says, “The Father is seeking worshipers who worship in spirit and truth.” What does that mean? What kind of relationship does God hope to have with us? I’m looking at Psalm 88 and John 4 for clues about life, God, and real connection in love. How do the (often uncomfortable things) God chooses not to edit out of his book demonstrate his vulnerability and invite us to be vulnerable with him?